By Peter “Parra” Montgomery

Gundagai Tigers have backed up their impressive win over premiership favourites, the Young Cherrypickers, with a hard-fought 24–16 victory over Albury Thunder at Greenfield Park on Sunday.

The visitors crossed for four tries to Thunder’s three and were never headed throughout the contest.

Despite several promising attacking opportunities, Albury were unable to capitalise due to handling errors and missed chances in key moments.

Discipline and ball security proved costly for the home side. The penalty count ran 10–3 in Gundagai’s favour, while a number of dropped balls in the red zone stifled Thunder’s momentum.

Gundagai’s backline looks revitalised this season, boasting pace and attacking flair that will test any defence in the competition.

Winger Eparama Navuki continued his fine form, crossing for two tries and narrowly missing two more when he was bundled into touch on the tryline in last-ditch tackles.

The Tigers struck early, with five-eighth Will Herring delivering a superb cut-out pass to winger Toby Dasey, who scored in the corner just three minutes in. Herring nailed the sideline conversion for a 6–0 lead.

Thunder responded in the 23rd minute, with star fullback Lachy Munro touching down near the posts, allowing Lachlan Hampton to level the scores at 6-all.

Seven minutes later, Gundagai regained the lead when centre Gabriel Gull produced a dazzling burst to score next to the posts. Herring added the extras to make it 12–6.

Gull, who also scored a double against Young last week, showed why many believe he’s something special.

His pace and ability to find space make him a real danger out wide.

Thunder centre Vili Cerei was again a standout for the home side, threatening the defensive line throughout.

His evasive running caused trouble late in the game, but a couple of errant passes ended promising moves.

Thunder’s cause wasn’t helped by the early injury to prop Faone Fakatava, who spent much of the match sidelined before returning midway through the second half.

His power was sorely missed, as was that of centre Sebastian Nelson, currently out with a hamstring injury and expected to miss up to a month.

Both halves directed play well, with Thunder’s Osika Kaufononga working tirelessly on both sides of the ball.

His defensive efforts were outstanding, and he came close to setting up a late comeback.

Tempers flared with 20 minutes to go, resulting in sin bins for Thunder prop Nathan Darby and Tigers hooker Wilson Hamblin after a scuffle broke out between players from both sides.

Toby Dasey continued to pose problems with his ball running, setting up Gundagai’s next try after a blistering break down the sideline.

Although stopped by Munro, quick hands saw the ball shift wide to Navuki, who crossed for his second in the scoreboard corner.

Herring again converted from the touchline for an 18–6 lead.

Thunder refused to lie down, with a sharp break from Blake Grounds setting up Hampton for a try in the corner.

His conversion attempt from the sideline struck the post and was waved away, narrowing the gap to 18–10.

Just as Thunder looked to mount a comeback, Gundagai answered.

Fullback Tyron Gorman sliced through the defence and was pulled down just short of the line.

A swift shift to the right saw Navuki complete his hat-trick in the same corner.

Herring’s immaculate day with the boot continued, taking the score to 24–10.

Thunder received a penalty from the restart and surged forward through strong carries from Brodie Ford, Isaac Carpenter, Fakatava, and Kaufononga.

Big Reece Clegg then smashed through under the posts to give Thunder a sniff, and Hampton converted to bring it to 24–16.

Despite some late pressure, the Tigers held firm to secure the win.